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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was exactly what it said it was - a cosy sapphic small-town romance.
Jenny is an influencer living in LA who's had some bad luck and been hit by cancel culture, so she goes back to stay with her parents in a small-town on the East Coast. There she is reunited with Blake, who seems to have everything Jenny doesn't in terms of a stable respected career. Just a shame the two don't get on, as they're both bridesmaids in their friend's wedding.
I had a great time reading this one. Does it do anything particularly new or groundbreaking? No. But it's a great example of a sapphic contemporary romance with the highs and lows of small-town life.
Jenny's relationship with social media as an influencer was portrayed really well. I appreciated topics that were discussed around cancel culture and the different types of career influencers.
It was great reading their relationship build, with neither one wanting to commit to anything long-term (for different reasons) but also not wanting to have to let the other one go.
The side characters in this one are great, particularly George who runs the bookstore/coffee shop (which sounds amazing).
In terms of rep, Jenny is bi and Blake is a lesbian (explicitly stated on multiple occasions).
Read this one if you want a cosy autumn/fall romance to curl up with.
I received a free review copy from Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.
Jenny is an influencer living in LA who's had some bad luck and been hit by cancel culture, so she goes back to stay with her parents in a small-town on the East Coast. There she is reunited with Blake, who seems to have everything Jenny doesn't in terms of a stable respected career. Just a shame the two don't get on, as they're both bridesmaids in their friend's wedding.
I had a great time reading this one. Does it do anything particularly new or groundbreaking? No. But it's a great example of a sapphic contemporary romance with the highs and lows of small-town life.
Jenny's relationship with social media as an influencer was portrayed really well. I appreciated topics that were discussed around cancel culture and the different types of career influencers.
It was great reading their relationship build, with neither one wanting to commit to anything long-term (for different reasons) but also not wanting to have to let the other one go.
The side characters in this one are great, particularly George who runs the bookstore/coffee shop (which sounds amazing).
In terms of rep, Jenny is bi and Blake is a lesbian (explicitly stated on multiple occasions).
Read this one if you want a cosy autumn/fall romance to curl up with.
I received a free review copy from Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The two of them were so stupid at the beginning and I loved it. They had no idea that they had feelings for each other and it was so funny. Jenny and Blake just fell into such a good routine, they were never casual.
I received an arc through netgalley.
I received an arc through netgalley.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not Just Gal Pals was a funny and sincere read, and sweet enough to leave me reaching for my toothbrush. I really loved that it was seasonally themed but not about Christmas, or any other holiday. It definitely left me a little heartsick that I don’t have my own cute small town girlfriend going into this upcoming autumn. Sigh. I’ll just have to settle for rereading this curled up under a cozy blanket with an apple cinnamon scented candle. I loved this one.
I received an ARC of this book but my opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book but my opinions are my own.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I'll be the first to admit that adult romances aren't usually my go-to genre. However, I couldn't resist adding this to my TBR after learning of its release. I was hoping for a cozy, delightful, heartwarming novel, and I'm thrilled to say that's exactly what I got!
Elizabeth Luly's writing style is engaging, humorous, and descriptive. It flows at the perfect pace - not too fast to feel rushed, but never slow enough to drag or feel plodding, either. Her characters are vibrant and memorable, each with quirks and charm that earn them a fond spot in your head and heart. Her depictions of Sapphire Springs at the height of autumn are everything you could ask for, complete with hay rides and long hikes.
Though mostly a character-driven book fueled by our loveable, disastrous duo of Jenny and Blake, there's enough plot and past secrets to keep you engaged and wanting to know more. What was Jenny's social media scandal? Why did Blake close herself off from dating so firmly? When will Walter the Toy Poodle get his own spin-off? (Okay, that last one is more of a personal question on my behalf.)
All in all, this was a fun, charming romp of a book that's opened me up to characters that I'd love to see more of! I highly recommend it for all your autumnal romance needs. If pumpkin spice lattes are fall in a cup (though I'll have to take people's word on it, as I don't drink coffee), then this book is fall in a cover.
I'll be the first to admit that adult romances aren't usually my go-to genre. However, I couldn't resist adding this to my TBR after learning of its release. I was hoping for a cozy, delightful, heartwarming novel, and I'm thrilled to say that's exactly what I got!
Elizabeth Luly's writing style is engaging, humorous, and descriptive. It flows at the perfect pace - not too fast to feel rushed, but never slow enough to drag or feel plodding, either. Her characters are vibrant and memorable, each with quirks and charm that earn them a fond spot in your head and heart. Her depictions of Sapphire Springs at the height of autumn are everything you could ask for, complete with hay rides and long hikes.
Though mostly a character-driven book fueled by our loveable, disastrous duo of Jenny and Blake, there's enough plot and past secrets to keep you engaged and wanting to know more. What was Jenny's social media scandal? Why did Blake close herself off from dating so firmly? When will Walter the Toy Poodle get his own spin-off? (Okay, that last one is more of a personal question on my behalf.)
All in all, this was a fun, charming romp of a book that's opened me up to characters that I'd love to see more of! I highly recommend it for all your autumnal romance needs. If pumpkin spice lattes are fall in a cup (though I'll have to take people's word on it, as I don't drink coffee), then this book is fall in a cover.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A heartwarming romance this is a small town enemies to lovers romance with bi and lesbian main characters.
Brought together by mutual friends it has heartwarming but cute dates and a wonderfully happy ending.
Making me smile throughout this is the perfect autumn read and I definitely plan to purchase a proper copy having recieved this as an e-arc
Brought together by mutual friends it has heartwarming but cute dates and a wonderfully happy ending.
Making me smile throughout this is the perfect autumn read and I definitely plan to purchase a proper copy having recieved this as an e-arc
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
✏️ Author: Elizabeth Luly
📅 Pub Date: August 24, 2023
🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Sweater weather, fall festivals, and spooky season all wrapped up in a enemies to lovers sapphic rom-com bow? Sign me up!
Jenny is an accidental influencer. Caught up in a scandal that threatens her follower count and livelihood, she heads home to Sapphire Springs for a few weeks. She plans to see her parents, attend her best friends wedding, and save a little money subletting her apartment. What she doesn't plan on is running into Blake. Blake from high school. Blake who always ignored her and hardly spoke to her all four years.
Now the town doctor, Blake has come home to Sapphire Springs to help the locals. But also due to the lack of queer people. After having her heart broken one too many times, she'd rather be alone than be hurt again. Unfortunately, Jenny walks back into her life. Her high school crush. The one who left her tongue tied everytime she walked by. The one she never got out of her head.
This book is everything a sapphic romance should be. Fun. Sexy. And most of all heartfelt. Watching Jenny and Blake fall in love while trying to dang hard not to is the absolute sweetest. They respect each other and love each other exactly how they are. Beyond all that, this book makes consent sexy! The best part is the fall setting. Halloween parties, hot cider, fall festivals, and spooky season are my love language. And this book has them in spades!
I adored this book! Even thought it's 90 plus outside, my heart is in Sapphire Springs. Finding out there's a second book set in Sapphire Springs featuring George made my little heart sing!
I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Elizabeth Luly, NetGalley, and West Brunswick Press. ❤️
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
A wonderful fall read about two women who find each other after disastrous other relationships.
Jenny is a social media influencer who was the subject of a recent scandal. She heads home to help with her friend's wedding and lay low. Blake is an accomplished doctor who set up her own practice, but she becomes absolutely awkward around Jenny due to a long-standing crush. The two find themselves together during wedding preparations and they decide to keep it casual, knowing Jenny will eventually go back to LA.
I loved Jenny and Blake's blossoming romance and the sweet ways they interacted. Jenny's dog is a recurring character - love to see it. The friends were really great supporting characters also. Overall, this was a really cute read!
Jenny is a social media influencer who was the subject of a recent scandal. She heads home to help with her friend's wedding and lay low. Blake is an accomplished doctor who set up her own practice, but she becomes absolutely awkward around Jenny due to a long-standing crush. The two find themselves together during wedding preparations and they decide to keep it casual, knowing Jenny will eventually go back to LA.
I loved Jenny and Blake's blossoming romance and the sweet ways they interacted. Jenny's dog is a recurring character - love to see it. The friends were really great supporting characters also. Overall, this was a really cute read!